Botanically
known as Beta vulgaris, the beet evolved from their wild ancestor
known as sea beet, which is native to the coast of Europe, Northern Africa, and
Southern Asia. The root was carrot shaped and during early times the beet
greens were eaten rather than the roots.
The ancient Romans were mostly
interested in beets for medicine, however they are believed to be one of the
first civilizations to cultivate beetroot for food.
